Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 07:05 am
Located in Santa Clara County, Campbell is a suburb of San Jose and is regarded as one of the best places to live in California. It provides its residents with an eclectic urban-suburban feel, with most of its residents owning their own homes. Because of this, home remodels are often high in demand.
To help you find the best contractor for you, this list showcases 15 of the best general contractors in the area. They were chosen based on merit, experiences, and their portfolios. Several of these firms showcase specialty services that only they offer and expertise for multiple intricate and challenging designs.
Next Stage Design + Build
2157 O’Toole Ave. Suite #70, San Jose, CA 95131
Next Stage Design + Build offers a full and comprehensive range of interior and exterior remodeling services. In light of the ongoing pandemic, it provides interested clients with online consultation services where clients may begin the brainstorming process with the firm’s team. The Next Stage Design leadership team oversees every aspect of the project, with each member individually experienced. At its helm are Jim Kabel, Next Stage’s general manager, and owner. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, as well as a Certified Remodeler’s license from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Sarah Gaffney joins him and serves as the company’s design manager. Before joining the firm, she first gained experience managing Sunset Magazine’s Idea House program. She had the opportunity to work with talented architects, builders, and designers to craft award-winning show homes throughout the West.
Under their supervision, Next Stage has had the honor of winning numerous Contractor of the Year Awards from NARI. This featured project located in Los Gatos best exemplifies the firm’s work. For this remodel, its team was challenged with working with limited and complicated spaces. As a solution, it came up with an open floor plan and transformed its formerly hodgepodge contemporary craftsman themes with more modern and sleek finishes.
Timeline Design + Build
14401 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070
The Timeline team offers its clients more than a century of collective industry experience. Because of this, its team’s creative abilities are highly diverse, and the firm has secured partnerships with some of the area’s leading craftsmen and professionals. The firm takes great pride in the numerous industry distinctions it has received throughout the years. Most of these include countless honors from NARI and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), as well as features in various publications like Home & Garden Magazine and South Bay Accent. Matthew Harrigan leads the firm. He has a background in engineering as well as extensive experience in the fields of interior design and architecture. Under his supervision, the firm has developed a strong sense of communication with its clients and emphasizes a process that highly values their input. Further, from inception all the way through completion, clients may expect hands-on expertise.
Residential Remodel in Los Alos by Timeline Design
The luxurious project shown is an excellent example of the firm’s work. This remodel is an elegant contemporary home in Los Gatos. It tasked the firm with the renovation of its exteriors and first-floor interiors. Its most notable aspect is the firm’s use of large windows to allow a rich amount of ambient light, making its spaces appear larger. The Timeline team also upgraded multiple kitchen features such as its appliances, a tile backsplash, and installed a custom wine rack.
Harrell Remodeling
944 Industrial Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94303
Named by Sunset Magazine as the “Best the West has to offer,” Harrell Remodeling was founded in 1985 and prides itself on being one of the first companies to form a team of design-build professionals sharing one vision. The firm is led by Ciro Giammona, who started as an estimator for the firm in 1996. His rich experience and successful understanding of its design and construction process led him to be promoted to General Manager in 2006, company president in 2011, and finally to CEO in 2014. A proud Certified Remodeler and Certified Green Building Professional, Giammona has driven his team to build many whimsical contemporary homes as well as lavish Mediterranean ones. The firm’s work has been published in Qualified Remodeler after having earned a Gold Master Design Award for a kitchen project.
The firm provides a complete and comprehensive range of remodeling services that encompass every aspect of the process. The project above best depicts its expertise for handling a project from start to finish and shows its craftsmanship for sleek and neutral themes. Its team installed clean wood cabinetry coupled with marble countertops and several other minimalist touches for this kitchen.
Ammirato Construction
1330 White Oaks Rd., Campbell, CA 95008
Founded in 2000, Ammirato Construction extends its services throughout the Bay Area and provides its clients with an extensive range of remodeling and new home construction services. Clients go to the firm for its excellent kitchens, bathrooms, historic remodels, and fine attention to detail. Its design-build approach keeps its entire process in-house, thus eliminating the homeowner’s task of looking for subcontractors to work on their project. From concept to completion, the Ammirato team manages all the phases of its homes and spaces. It maintains affiliations with organizations like NARI and Build It Green, making its projects highly sustainable and energy-efficient. John Ammirato oversees the firm’s projects and day-to-day operations. He is a Bay Area native who, before establishing the firm, first gained experience working in the high-tech sector, managing multi-million dollar projects.
The firm has been featured in publications like Modern Luxury Silicon Valley. Its expertise is seen in the project above. The homeowners repurchased this historic home in 2017 while it was in a dilapidated state, and the firm was tasked with its large-scale transformation. It now features modern chic themes, fitting the clients’ personalities that blend seamlessly with the home’s timeless appeal.
Hammerschmidt Construction
1574 Country Club Dr., Los Altos, CA 94024
Hammerschmidt Construction is a full-service design-build firm with over two decades of experience. The firm extends its services throughout Silicon Valley’s neighboring cities and prides itself on being one of the first Certified Green Builders in the area. The firm is led by John Hammerschmidt, a third-generation builder who, before assuming leadership, sold irrigation systems to Napa wineries and managed two construction firms and two landscaping firms. He was also a board member of Silicon Valley’s NARI Chapter and spent a term as its Vice President of Education. The firm’s outstanding work has been awarded numerous industry accolades, including several META Awards from NARI and a Big50 Award from Remodeling Magazine. It has also graced the pages of Qualified Remodeler on various occasions as a part of its annual Top 500 list and Remodeling Magazine as one of its leading 550 remodelers throughout the country.
The firm’s portfolio provides insight into a rich and extensive array of architectural themes. In the featured project, the traditional remodel drew massive inspiration from classic Asian influences. It spans 2,200 square feet and sits in the hills of Los Altos. It features new doors, windows, and moldings throughout all remodeled spaces and new flooring, paint, and fixtures. The firm also installed several energy-efficient and sustainable elements, like LED lighting, a new foam roof, and a gas fireplace.
Heartwood Residential
520 E. McGlincy Ln. #9, Campbell, CA 95008
Nick and Michelle Yegge founded Heartwood Residential, intending to provide the Bay Area with tremendous and high-quality homes. Adhering to a design-build process, Nick primarily does project management for the business. He first started working in the construction industry as a teenager during school breaks, and, coming from a family of builders, the work came naturally to him. Michelle works on project coordination and is in charge of meeting with clients and design and material selection. With their highly streamlined process, the two handle all aspects of coordination from start to finish. Although its specializations are kitchen and bathroom remodels, the firm also works on entire house remodels, attic build-outs, custom cabinetry, flooring, finish work, plumbing, and outdoor living design.
The project above showcases the firm’s talent for classic transitional themes. For this kitchen transformation, it opted for an island, which also serves as a mini breakfast bar. Several unique fixtures and granite countertops can also be observed.
Acton ADU
1257 Dell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
Established in 1990, Acton ADU displays exemplary skills in accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or backyard home build. The firm extends its services to homeowners in over 25 cities through the Bay Area, from the San Jose to Redwood areas. Acton ADU is led by Stanley Acton, who became interested in building at a young age. During his teenage years, this interest came in handy when he decided to work as a remodeler’s apprentice to start saving for his college degree. He holds a degree in computer science and worked for several years in Silicon Valley before finally deciding to pursue his childhood dream of homebuilding. Since then, Acton has led his team into award-winning remodeling and ADU designs. The firm’s work, generally elegant and contemporary, has graced the pages of several publications, such as Qualified Remodeler, ADU Magazine, and US Builders’ Review, which both listed Acton ADU in annual lists of the nation’s leading firms. To share its success with others, the firm sponsors several local schools and supports organizations such as the Preservation Action Council of San Jose.
The ADU above comes from one of the firm’s projects. Given that it is situated in a historic neighborhood, its team opted for several classic touches. It also kept the space bright by using a neutral color palette to allow the finishes to pop. Some other notable features include a laundry room with additional storage and counter space, a large island with a hidden microwave, and a customized wood range hood, among many others. Learn more about the firm and this project at https://actonadu.com/projects/wolf-nilson-family-san-jose-adu.
Tracery Professional Home Builders
251 East Hacienda Ave Unit C, Campbell, CA 95008
Tracery Professional Builders, Inc extends its services throughout the Peninsula and Silicon Valley and is regarded as one of the area’s Premier Fine Custom Home Builder and remodeling firms. It provides excellent services for which it has been distinguished with multiple accolades from NARI, as well as featured in publications like Architectural Digest, South Bay Accent, and Qualified Remodeler, which has even included the firm in its annual list of the country’s best 500 remodelers. The firm’s President, Mark Macdonald with a foundation in formal education, professional degrees, and continuing education. Together with his team, he carefully assesses every project that the firm takes on and provides creative and thoughtful solutions, all without compromising quality and workmanship. Tracery Professional Builders is also FEMA-trained Earthquake, Brace Bolt (EBB) Bolt approved Contractor. This means that the firm is qualified to take on a structure’s seismic strengthening needs. A definite Expertise needed in the state of California.
Their portfolio showcases what other builders inspire to be, a wide variety that ranges from modern and contemporary to retro and traditional spaces. It can take on any specific design a client may want and is no stranger to complex requests like unique curved walls, basements, structural steel to fine finished carpentry, which is a must see!
Bill Fry Construction
10351 San Fernando Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014-2832
Otherwise known as the WM. H. Fry Construction Company, Billy Fry Construction is the brainchild of its namesake Bill Fry, who first got a glimpse of the industry through his father’s tutelage, a contractor. He draws inspiration from over two decades of experience working in and around the San Francisco Bay Area and is talented in every phase and aspect of the process. He is also a Certified Green Building Professional, making the firm equipped to incorporate sustainable and highly efficient elements into its spaces. Under his leadership, the firm also maintains affiliations with vital organizations such as the NAHB, the US Green Building Council (USGBC), and the California Building Industry Association.
One example of the firm’s work is the remodel featured in this article. Located in Saratoga, this remodel is a 5000 square foot California ranch-style home near Villa Montalvo. The entire home was transformed, expanded, and updated to include various sustainable features. Some of its attractive new additions entail a dropped ceiling over the kitchen island, a new family room and living room with vaulted ceilings, built-in cabinetry, and light-filled niches.
RemodelWest
12333 Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070
Founded in 1992, RemodelWest services the Northern Sierras, Silicon Valley, and all other areas. It provides a comprehensive range of custom home design and construction services and, as its name suggests, mainly specializes in remodeling. It utilizes a design-build approach, which allows it to keep the entire process in-house. Given its years in the industry, it has also secured relationships and partnerships with design resources, reputable subcontractors, and excellent material suppliers. It has also built a solid clientele list for itself, most of whom are repeat customers. As for its designs, its portfolio showcases of a great range of styles. One of its best work is featured in this article.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this project needed more space and an update. The firm designed and built an additional bedroom, a home office, family room, and kitchen for a professional chef. The result was exquisitely crafted spaces that showcase a color scheme of copper and sea green, the use of various recycled materials, and chic cabinetry.
Starburst Construction
1207 Redcliff Drive, San Jose, CA 95118
Established in 1976, Starburst Construction prides itself with its team of award-winning master craftsmen. The firm services the peninsula and surrounding San Francisco Bay area and specializes in a wide range of styles, including Victorian and Eichler. The firm has received much recognition over the years and has been featured in several publications, including California Modern Home Magazine and Gentry Home Magazine. It has also been presented with multiple META Awards by NARI. Its team utilizes a highly hands-on approach and emphasizes the importance of communication throughout the process, ensuring that their needs and vision are reflected in their new spaces and homes.
The project featured is a mid-century modern home designed by Aaron Green, a master architect and associate of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The main issue was its small size, having a combined kitchen and living area, two cramped bedrooms, and one bathroom. The firm transformed the home to include a new and larger master suite with a separate bathroom, updated the old solitary bathroom with further storage, and repainted the entire house. Starburst’s design also allowed for some space between the kitchen and bathroom, which opened up for some floor area for a laundry room.
May Construction
115 Phelan Ave., San Jose, CA 95112
Established in 1977, May Construction utilizes a design-build process and specializes in kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, home additions, and whole-house remodels. Led by Greg May, a Universal Design Certified Remodeler (UDCR), the firm has worked on multiple contemporary ranch-style homes and farmhouses. The team’s skillful work often highlights natural elements’ infusion, like exposed wood beams, with sleek metal elements. As a UDCR, May and his team also offer aging-in-place services and the option of offering suggestions that can be incorporated into a universal design, perfect for clients seeking a house in which they can age gracefully.
The project shown was completed in collaboration with interior designer Liz Williams and features clean, modern finishes. Its homeowners had a clear vision of what they had in mind for their new home, which the firm delivered without exceeding the budget.
Bridgford Construction
2380 S. Bascom Ave. Suite #100, Campbell, CA 95008
Headquartered in Campbell, Bridgford Construction has been in the industry since 2007. It extends its services throughout the Bay Area and offers potential clients a complete range of general construction, architectural, and interior design work. It adheres to a highly simplistic approach for its projects and is known for its streamlined processes—from design and inception to completion. It dedicates itself to crafting only high-caliber homes and has built a comprehensive portfolio filled with the best transitional and modern designs.
The project above features a major renovation located in San Jose. It spans 3,300 square feet and is perched atop a hill. Inside, this home showcases five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large kitchen, and, as seen in the photo above, a luxurious master bathroom.
K.C. Customs
132 Gilman Ave., Campbell, CA 95008
K.C. Customs is a full-service residential construction firm that focuses on custom home build outs and large-scale remodels of high-end houses. It provides meticulous craftsmanship, accurate projections, and budget estimates, ensuring that all of its projects are finished on-time and within the budget. Its team is composed of professional project managers and site superintendents, as well as supportive office and on-site staff. Uniquely, the firm uses a 24/7 client portal to facilitate communications throughout the process. Through this software, clients can access updates, schedules, and other details throughout the entire process. As for the firm’s designs, its portfolio provides insight into a wide variety it has completed.
One of its best works is demonstrated in the featured home. For this bedroom, it opted to wood panels, clean finishes, and large windows to allow a generous amount of natural light. It also added in several minimalist touches.
Riley’s Remodeling + Design
167 W. Rosemary Ln., Campbell, CA 95008
For the past three decades, Riley’s Remodeling + Design has been providing the area with unique and extensive home improvement and construction services. It approaches each of its projects with creative and innovative solutions and assists throughout the entire process. It has serviced the whole Bay Area and continues to serve with its unified and talented team. Steve Riley, the firm’s namesake, leads the firm. He is an experienced professional who personally ensures that all of the firm’s projects receive the benefit of his experience. He utilizes a methodological approach that unifies the communication gap often found among architects, designers, and builders and works with only a meticulously hand-picked network of specialists.
The project shown is an open concept living area. It is located somewhere in Saratoga Hills and features contemporary themes, lightwood flooring, and a gray palette. Hints of beige may also be seen in its walls.
